Three gaming related deals in Asia:
— Electronic Arts (NSDQ: ERTS) has increased its presence in Korea, after buying the mobile gaming arm of Hands-On earlier this year: it has now bought J2MSoft, a Korean developer of PC and online games. J2M develops free-to-play online games that are monetized through micro-transactions and ads, including RayCity, TAAN, and Debut. EA plans to use J2M developers for developing games for Asian markets. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, and while valuations are not yet complete, EA does not expect the acquisition to have a material impact on its financial results in fiscal 2009. More details in release.

— And in China, Shanda (NSDQ: SNDA), the big online gaming portal, has made two investments: it has invested undisclosed amounts in two online gaming community operators, Shanghai Wei Lai and Shanghai Cai Qu. Shanghai Wei Lai offers titles such as “Travian” and “OGAME,” while Shanghai Cai Qu offers the casual game title “Ge Zi Ke.” More details in release.